Firm foundation

Truth is the firm foundation on which our heart is rebuilt, but like most foundations, many elements must be properly put into place to make sure it’s strong and long-lasting.

2nd Timothy 3:14-17

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of,
because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. What makes you wise for salvation? Faith in the scripture that points to Christ. The scriptures that Timothy has engaged in since infancy. He is encouraged to continue in it because that is the first element of our firm foundation. Do you continue in it?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Scripture trains and equips us for the work we are called for in God’s kingdom. Do you look at it that way, or do you get too focused on rebuking and correcting to notice you must rebuild after the demo?

2nd Peter 1:19-21

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. The message can cause the light to rise in our hearts, but we must pay attention to it. Do we look at it with the same awe and wonder as a rising sun?

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. Most people tend to project their own preferences and biases’ into everything. That’s why a true prophet needs to truly deny self and follow what divine inspiration is leading them to relay. We should follow their example and not sidestep uncomfortable details. Perhaps we should even look at points of confusion as a place to start.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The origin of scripture is clearly stated here. From God, via the Holy Spirit. This is the second part of our firm foundation. Yet there seems to be a movement within certain sects of the church to view the Bible as the only Godly authority. Openly denying the Holy Spirit. Although scripture itself condemns such actions.

For example, 1st Thessalonians 5:19-22 says “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” Apparently quenching the spirit is one of the evils we must reject. Jesus even called it blasphemy of the spirit. Yet we are also reminded to test the messages. That is why we ultimately need the Bible as a ruler to hold the spirits up to. Since the Holy Spirit isn’t the only voice.

Jesus also says in John 14:25-26 ““All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Herein lies the need for the Holy Spirit, how to apply truth, and when. The spirit can’t remind you of what you never read though. Jesus spent a good amount of time correcting the misapplication of scripture, and probably still would if he returned today. [See the sermon on the mount.] Let’s face it, those who quench the spirit tend to have selective memory with scripture. Only lifting up that which makes them look good, and feeds their pride. Which is a sin in and of itself. A sin that the spirit would likely convict them of if they knew him.

John 3:5-8

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”” These words spoken to a curious Pharisee lie at the heart of why people resist the Spirit. We don’t like not being able to tell where it comes from or where it is going, and ultimately leading us. We like to feel like we are in control. Doesn’t this statement alone reveal where they are missing the point? Who are we to try and control God. But isn’t that just what we are doing when we are cherry-picking the truths we follow.

Yes, false teachers are misrepresenting the Spirit. But if we know our Bible, we can see right through them. But there are just as many false teachers misrepresenting scripture. They can get away with it because they know most people don’t read their Bibles. But if we have the Holy Spirit, he will instruct us on how to deal with such teachers.

I opened with the foundation analogy. Scripture would be the concrete, whereas the Holy Spirit would be the steel reinforcement. They ultimately work together to create the best possible foundation. You can’t see the steel, but without it, the foundation would crack and crumble very quickly. Just as if we didn’t pour the concrete, we wouldn’t have a stable and level surface to build upon. Make sure you have good subcontractors (ministers) because the home inspector is coming to make sure it’s up to code. (Jesus) So let me ask you this. If your knowledge of scripture, and relationship with the Holy Spirit is proportionate to your foundation, what could be built upon it? A large mansion, or just a tool shed?

The Visual PARABLEist

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. -Mathew 7:26